Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies are a sweet, festive treat perfect for sharing with someone special. These soft cookies have a lovely strawberry flavor and each one is topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, adding a little chocolatey surprise right in the center. They’re easy to make and bring a cheerful bite to any Valentine’s celebration.
I really enjoy making these cookies because they’re simple and fun to decorate. The warm, fruity aroma of strawberries baking away fills the kitchen and puts everyone in a happy mood. Plus, I love that the Kiss in the middle stays melty but not too messy, making every bite a nice mix of soft cookie and smooth chocolate.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends, family, or classmates. I like to pack them up in little boxes or tins to give as thoughtful Valentine’s gifts. It always feels special to hand someone a homemade treat that’s both cute and delicious. Baking them together can also be a fun way to spend time with kids or friends before the holiday arrives.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted and softened butter helps control the cookie’s saltiness and ensures a smooth dough. Room temperature butter creams better, making the cookies light. If needed, margarine can work but may change texture slightly.
Strawberry Jello Powder: This is the secret for that sweet strawberry flavor and pink color. If you don’t have it, you can try freeze-dried strawberry powder or a few drops of strawberry extract, but it won’t add color. Adding red food coloring can brighten the pink shade.
Flour & Leavening: All-purpose flour with baking powder gives these cookies a soft, tender bite. You can swap to gluten-free flour blends if needed—just check the baking powder amount to keep the rise right.
Hershey’s Kisses: Strawberry-flavored ones add a nice twist, but classic milk chocolate or even dark chocolate Kisses are great too. Just press them in warm cookies to get that melty center effect.
How Do You Get the Cookies Soft but Firm Enough to Hold a Kiss?
The baking time and dough texture are key here. You want the cookies baked just until the edges set but the centers are still soft. This keeps them tender after cooling but firm enough to hold the Kiss without sinking.
- Use room temperature butter for even mixing and soft dough.
- Do not overbake—8 to 10 minutes is usually enough. Check at 8 minutes.
- Right after baking, gently press a Kiss into each cookie while still warm so it sticks well.
- Cool on the baking sheet a few minutes to set before moving them.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – one large for creaming butter and sugar, and one for dry ingredients; keeps things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy for a smooth dough.
- Baking sheets – use rimmed trays to keep cookies from sliding off while baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps you portion out evenly sized dough balls for consistent baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so they don’t get soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try white chocolate kisses instead of strawberry for a creamier, sweeter twist.
- Add finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries into the dough for extra strawberry crunch and flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty note that pairs well with strawberry and chocolate.
- Swap half the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate-strawberry combo that’s rich and fun.
How to Make Strawberry Kiss Valentine Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup strawberry jello powder (for flavor and pink color)
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for more vivid color)
For The Topping:
- About 36 Hershey’s Kisses (strawberry or milk chocolate)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the dough and about 8-10 minutes baking each batch. Allow an extra 5 minutes for cooling on the pan, plus time to transfer to a cooling rack. All together, around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix The Dough:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry jello powder. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low until a soft dough forms. If you want brighter pink cookies, add a few drops of red food coloring and combine well.
3. Shape and Bake:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls of dough. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
4. Add the Kiss and Cool:
Right after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Don’t worry if the dough cracks slightly — that’s normal! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Enjoy!
These soft, strawberry-flavored cookies with a melty chocolate center are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Serve, share, and enjoy the sweet smiles they bring!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for this recipe, as it creams better with sugar and creates a light, fluffy dough. If using frozen butter, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before starting.
Can I Substitute Strawberry Jello Powder?
If you don’t have strawberry jello powder, you can try freeze-dried strawberry powder or a few drops of strawberry extract. Keep in mind these won’t add the pink color, so consider adding a little red food coloring to brighten the dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Use Different Kisses for Topping?
Absolutely! Strawberry-flavored, milk chocolate, or white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses all work well. Just press the Kiss into the cookie immediately after baking to get that perfect melty center.
